GivingWorks - Who We Serve: Corporations

WHO WE SERVE

GivingWorks helps corporations maximize the social benefits of their core business practices, philanthropic efforts, and community relationships.

Given their resources and influence on a large network of customers, suppliers, and employees, corporations are uniquely positioned to create change through social responsibility efforts. These efforts may include using sustainable business practices, philanthropic outreach in the communities where they operate, or anticipating and leading trends to “jump the curve” and influence the rewriting of policy and legal rulebooks.

GivingWorks helps corporate clients minimize potential negative effects of their business practices and enlarge the “benefit footprints” of their social mission programs. We develop strategies for pursuing social responsibility while achieving profitable growth and competitive advantage.

Find out below how GivingWorks consultants have helped a major US auto manufacturer create business value by tackling gender inequity. Also see What We Do to find out how we can help your organization turn insight to impact.

Highlight: Bridging the Gender Gap in the Auto Industry
For an average American family, the purchase of a vehicle is a major financial undertaking—one that often causes apprehension and fear. Research has shown that women in particular perceived themselves to be at a disadvantage during the car-buying process. Half of new automobile buyers in the United States are women, but women make up only 7.4 percent of the staff—and 2.0 percent of the owners—of auto dealerships. In addition, the peculiar cultural values and behaviors common in this female-absent environment exacerbate the discomfort and disrespect that many women feel when interacting with employees at a dealership.

GivingWorks staff worked with a major American automobile manufacturer to improve its ability to connect with female employees and buyers. Our rigorous quantitative and anthropological market research revealed the magnitude of the impediments to change, but also clearly quantified the likely long-term financial and reputational consequences of not making the needed changes. Armed with a strong ethical and business case for change, we worked with the manufacturer to design and launch multipronged efforts to improve gender equity in its retail network, marketing communications, and staffing practices.